Magura HS33 Vs XTR V brakes

[colinv]

How do you rate these 2 against each other, I'm currently running the XTR V brakes, but I'm thinking about the HS33s as a replacement, what do you think?

[numbnuts]

I really like maguras except that i  knackered both levers in crashes that my old avid/xt cable v levers would have probably survived. those hs33's have incredible stopping power and modulation, better than xtr imo.i am using avid mech discs  now and those are great

[Colin]

I've got Magura 33's on my XP-X and my 5500 and they are excellent brakes. As previously said , the stopping power is immense and with great modulation.
I've never had to bleed them or do any maintenance other than change the pads which is incredibly quick.
Also "dialling in" the pads onto the rims is so easy with the "evolution" Quick release fittings. No need to do any "toe-in" or anything either!
The only drawbacks are that the bulky Hydraulic pistons do capture more mud than ordinary V Brakes and the closeness of these to the the rim/tyre means that if I run knobbly tyres bigger than 2.0" then it is a struggle to get the wheel in/out when the tyre is fully inflated.
The Brake Boosters aren't really necessary, you get plenty of force on the rim without them, but they do help protect the straddle hose so it's worthwhile using them.
My 5500 has got Ceramic rims as the original owner was told these were essential with 33's but my XP-X has had normal Ally rims from day one and they havn't worn out in 7 years! So I don't think ceramic is necessary.
I think the "turbo" wear adjusters are just asking to be snapped off and a waste of time in my opinion (how many times do you need to adjust your brakes on one ride...?)
The latest version of the 33 is much nicer.

Col

[Swissnic]

Hi, I just went trough the same decision process, and opted for the HS33's based on research.  Ordered them a week ago!

I also read that the standard hs33 levers are a bit crappy, but Magura sell some upgraded HS33 CNC levers at about $45 a pair.  These are stronger and much more comfortable that the std's...

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=1538

I will let you know how there are when they finally arrive!!!  ;o))))

Cheers, Nic.

[Colin]

Hmmm, those big red knobs on those levers are the "turbo wear" adjusters.
This year's version are smaller and neater.
Again, I don't think the replacment levers are necessary, I've got "plasticky" Resin type levers on mine and they are perfectly comfortable and have taken plenty of knocks, although I believe the cast metal ones were a bit brittle and that's why Magura get away with selling CNC'd ones as after market enhancements when they should have just made decent metal levers in the first place!
http://www.magura.com/english/bremsen/04_hs33.htm

[colinv]

cheers, I'm thinking of getting a set of HS33 olympia brakes if I find some at the right price, I hope they come with the better levers fitted as the extra price seems a bit daft for just a watch and gold colour.

[Gordon Anderson]

I bought Maguras HS33's Raceline yellow a month ago did about 50 miles on my 957. Brakes were amaizing compared to my xt's but I finally decided my 957 was too much of a racer for me and have changed to a San Andreas with Rockshox. I have my Maguras virually brand new to sell now and am quite sad about this as I have had to deal with magura Julie discs which don't feel anything like as good quaility or solid as the hs33's. If anyone wants a set of Maguras in near mint condition (pad not even worn in) then they can have them for £65 (uk) plus postage with the fitting manual. I also have a just serviced by cvi risse terminator shock and a proflex 957 frame dent in toptube but does not affect the frame (dropped my toolbox on it) will sell for spares ie. carbon swingarm and Girvin crosslink elite carbon forks for sale in very good condition (£100). If anyone is interested in anything please e-mail me before I stick the lot on E-bay. I can take paypal though.. he he

[Colin]

Here's some Olympia's but they've got last year's brake levers
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=27949&item=7149053617&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW
I've bought stuff off of Onzaboy and he was fine to deal with.
Col.

[StoereVent]

?? in the ad at ebay it says: "Please note: these brakes are set up for the European market i.e. Left Lever is front brake, Right Lever is rear brake - this can easily by swapped around !!" Is left=front and right=rear something european? Never knew that!

Jeroen.

[Matno]

Countries that drive on the left side of the road typically have the left brake as the rear, right = front. Goes back to when people actually used their hands to signal turns in traffic. It makes sense to have the hand that faces traffic be the front brake because if you only have one hand on the bars, you definitely want it to be the one that controls the rear brake! (Try stopping with only one hand on the bars sometime. Then try the other hand, and you'll see why the rear is much safer).